Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 September 1875 — Free Will Baptist Association. [ARTICLE]

Free Will Baptist Association.

The Northern Indiana Annual Association of Free Will Baptists, and White Coqnty Quarterly Meetings, were held with the church at Rensselaer from September 24th to 27th inclusive. The association organized by appointing Rev. S. E. Rogers, Rensselaer, Moderator. The usual routine of. business was harmonious and full of interest to thb tirethren.’ Reports of the Quarterly Meeting and churches indicate harmony, stability and growth. The La- . grange Quarterly Meeting reported revivals in three of its churches, and responded liberally to benevolent interests. The Noble Quarterly Meeting reported revivals in two churches. Salem Quarterly Meeting reported prosperity in their institution of learning at Ridgeville; that they have recently increased the endowment fund of that institution to about $30,000; and now sustain an efficient faculty. The institution is well patronized by students. The White Quarterly Meeting reports some revival inter'’est and indications of prosperity. Resolutions were adopted by the Association as follows: 1. On the state of the churches. That the activity and usefulness -of the churches are best secured by promoting their spirituality. That churches should feel more deeply their responsibility as representatives of the Christian religion. That churches should make more liberal provision for the support of their pastors and evangelical labor.

2. -On temperance: Whereas, Believing intemperance to be the most prolific of all sources of evil, and believing it to be the greatest detriment to the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, and its interests; therefore * Resolved; That we as a Yearly Meeting take a more decided stand against it, and recommend that our ministers preach at least one sermon every three months on the subject "of temperance to their congregations. 3. On finance: WhTereas, There is no subject that effects the present condition and fnture success of the cause more than the state of our finances, therefore We recommend our churches to put into active operation some efficient method to raise means for the support of their pastors, and to meet current expenses. That we seek to have all the time of our ministers employed iu their calling, rather than turn aside to secular pursuits for a support. In raising funds we recommend that these rides bfe'adopted: 1. That every member of the church give some amount statedly. 2. Give as God has prospered you—according to each one’s ability. 3. Do it willingly. 4. Appoint a committee to solicit and collect subscriptions monthly. 5. The pastors unite in holding revival meetings with al) the churches. 4. On Sabbath Schools: Resolved.; That we set apart a portion ot each session of our Yearly Association for Sabbath School service, and we recommend the Quarterly Meeting to do the same.

The religious exercises were interesting, and the discussions were harmonious and encouraging. The Sabbath school exercises on Lord’s day at 3 o’clock p. m. were a fine success. The house was crowded. Interesting five minute speeches were made by the ministerial brethren; appropriate and cheerful songs were ted by Miss Rosa Coen, and gladness filled the hearts of the people. The preaching at this session was by Rev. Pierce Baldwin, of Southern Ohio, and Revs. Prickett, Vaughn and Holmes, of Chicago. The Conference was well accommodated by the church and people of Rensselaer, and it is hoped that the church and her pastor, Rev. Mr. Rogers, will be much encouraged by the interest awakened at this session, and enjoy what they so well deserve—a house full of attentive hearers and ample support from the people.

J. S. JONES,

Clerk.